We are all pedestrians, even if it is just walking short distances. Although pedestrians are quite vulnerable when pitted against a vehicle there are lots of things we can do to make us safer. This section provides advice and guidance for pedestrians for keeping safe on or near roads.
The environmental and health benefits of walking are well recognised. Unfortunately the reasons given by people for not walking more include fear of speeding traffic and danger of road accidents.
Efforts are being made to make walking a safer, more pleasant form of 'transport' in Scotland. These include initiatives such as:-
The Highway Code gives good advice to pedestrians on keeping safe when walking near traffic and is available in all good bookstores
Children are particularly vulnerable as many have not developed the crossing strategies that we have as adults. The Department for Transport is developing new materials for children to replace the Hedgehogs and has a special website for children called Tales of the Road. The Hedgehog materials can still be accessed here.